One girl's journey to West Africa for 365 days.

Early in the morning on my first full day in Africa, Kathleen (the head of my organization) and I jumped in a cab and headed to Accra for the Rotary International Presidential Conference. The purpose of the 300 person conference was to discuss the role of Rotary in developing Africa and positively effecting communities. I met many interesting people from all over Africa (Benin, Nigeria, Gabon, you name it) and the Vice President of Ghana was the guest of honor.

We did much networking to see how we could ensure the safe arrival of the container we are shipping over from the United States. Back in the states, with the help of my community in Los Gatos, California (as well as friends from other states) I collected over 1,200 children’s books for the new library at the school I will teaching at this year. Additionally, there is furniture for the new home Kathleen and I will be living in. Once shipped, the boat takes about 2 months to arrive in port at Tema, a city close to Accra.

However, there is often much corruption when it comes to accepting items at the port. Things get easily “lost” and the government expects tips or payment to ensure one actually receives their goods. So long story short we are depending on the relationships we develop in country

The Vice President of Ghana being presented an award by Rotary International President

to assist us in making sure we get all our books and furniture. We met wonderful people who connected us to the Ministry of Education. We are hopeful with the connections we have made. I am looking forward to creating more imperative relationships here!